The New York Liberty managed to snap a brief two-game losing streak on Wednesday night with a gritty 81-78 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. Despite the win, Liberty’s offense struggled once again, especially from beyond the arc. They began the game strong but only managed to score 48 points over the final three quarters, ending the night with a lackluster 9-of-32 shooting from three-point range.
This season, the Liberty have been one of the league’s worst 3-point shooting teams—a stark contrast to their record-breaking performance last year. In 2023, they led the WNBA in several 3-point categories, including the most makes per game (11.1) and total makes (444), while shooting a league-best 37.4%. However, their early-season struggles in 2024 have been pronounced. Let’s delve into the factors contributing to their cold shooting start.
Missing Open Shots
One fundamental issue is the drop in both the quantity and quality of open looks. Last season, the Liberty averaged 13.3 unguarded 3-point attempts per game and made 41.5% of them, according to Synergy Sports. This year, those numbers have fallen to 9.9 attempts and a 34.8% conversion rate. Despite the offensive talent on the roster, the Liberty are generating fewer open shots, and their efficiency on these shots has declined. It’s reasonable to expect that such shots will eventually start falling at a higher rate given the team’s capabilities.
Sabrina Ionescu’s Shooting Slump
Sabrina Ionescu, who had an outstanding 2023 season and broke the single-season 3-point record with 128 makes at a 44.8% clip, has seen a significant drop in her shooting percentage. Over the first seven games of 2024, Ionescu is shooting just 30.2% from three. This is not only a considerable decline from her previous performance but also the lowest 3-point shooting percentage of her career, dating back to her college days at Oregon. Ionescu has struggled with both catch-and-shoot and off-the-dribble attempts, often missing open looks that she usually converts. While some of her shots seem rushed, there’s no clear-cut explanation for her sudden slump.
Lack of Shooting Depth
The Liberty’s roster changes have also impacted their 3-point shooting. They lost two critical players from last season: Marine Johannes and Stefanie Dolson. Johannes, a dynamic shooter (36.8% on 4.3 attempts per game), opted to stay in France to prepare for the 2024 Olympics, while Dolson, who shot an impressive 46.2% from three on low volume, signed with the Washington Mystics. These departures have left a void that hasn’t been adequately filled. Ivana Dojkic has been efficient (42.9%) but plays limited minutes, rookie Leonie Fiebich has struggled (30.8%), and Nyara Sabally, despite taking on a larger role, does not attempt 3-pointers. As a result, opponents face fewer threats from beyond the arc, simplifying their defensive strategies against New York Liberty.
In summary, the Liberty’s early-season 3-point woes stem from a combination of missed open shots, a shooting slump from their star player, and a lack of depth following key offseason departures. While there’s potential for improvement as the season progresses, these issues have so far hindered the team’s offensive efficiency and contributed to their uneven start.
Comments